Community gets more time to shape the Unitary Plan

Aucklanders are to be given more time to have their say on Auckland Councilâ€™s proposed Unitary Plan.

The Unitary Plan replaces the district plans and regional policies of the eight former councils.

It will be the rule book that guides property owners and developers on where and how development can occur.

The Auckland Plan Committee today agreed to extensive, wide-ranging discussion with Aucklanders prior to the release of a Unitary Plan discussion document in March 2013.

A draft version will be available for Local Boards to debate with their communities and for input by other key stakeholders in September.

Deputy Mayor and chair of the Auckland Plan Committee Councillor Penny Hulse and councillors agreed that there was intense public interest in what the Unitary Plan might propose for growth and development areas as outlined in the Auckland Plan.

â€œTo get the quality plan that Aucklanders deserve, and to achieve our vision to be the worldâ€™s most liveable city, we want the broadest range of key stakeholders, organisations and communities help us determine how best to accomplish outcomes at a regional and local level.â€

â€œWe need to generate a great plan and we need to get all Aucklanders on board with the process,â€ said the deputy mayor.

â€œWe want to get the best input from every Aucklander with a stake in the regionâ€™s future, be they individuals, communities, professional and business groups, or organisations.â€

The proposed engagement on the Unitary Plan will be backed by a major communications campaign.

After receiving feedback on the March 2013 discussion document, the council will notify the plan for formal public consultation at a later date.